St. Kitts Looking To Mimic BVI National Health Insurance Scheme

The National Health Insurance (NHI) of the British Virgin Islands, though a controversial system to residents of the BVI, is now being held as a model scheme to lend guidance to the government of St. Kitts and Nevis in their journey to introduce a national health insurance scheme in the twin island federation.

This information was first revealed in a meeting hosted by the Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Hon. Dr. Timothy Harris, to inform and update nationals of the federation living in the BVI about the country’s affairs. The meeting was held this past weekend, October 22 at the Althea Scatliffe Primary School.

In an interview with BVI Platinum News, the Prime Minister explained that it makes no sense reinventing a wheel that already exists in a neighboring island.

“Generally, once we learned that the BVI had implemented a national health scheme, we have that commitment in our manifesto for our people, so rather than we reinvent the wheel, we thought that it is best to look at other practices. We would want to learn from their [BVI] experience and look at any legislation that has been passed.”

PM Harris further disclosed that he has already received the commitment of the National Democratic Party led government in providing such information.

“I met with Minister [Myron] Walwyn regarding the matter and he has promised us [St. Kitts and Nevis government] in providing as much information that will help us in the formulation of our own national health insurance scheme.”

He added, “We think that it is useful in making healthcare affordable in St. Kitts and Nevis. This is something we definitely want to pursue.”

On a different note, the Prime Minister went on to speak of the heightened crime situation in the federation, noting that the matter is currently top priority for his administration and is being dealt with by local forces, along with the assistance of regional forces.

Citizens living in the BVI were also invited to take advantage of various opportunities made available for the country’s nationals, such as scholarships, grants, housing, land and much more.

Prime Minister Harris noted that opportunities granted for Kittitians and Nevisians are open for nationals, no matter where they reside.

“If persons apply through the system, no matter where you are, as long as you are a citizen of the federation, your application will be considered. I recommend that you exercise your right and take advantage of these opportunities.”

The Prime Minister also encouraged his countrymen to visit their home country regularly, view the advancements and to invest in various sectors of the economy.

Kittitian and Nevisian nationals who have any intentions of returning home were also made aware of the Returning Nationals Secretariat in the federation, that is in place to assist persons in their transitional period when moving back home, where special concessions and other offerings are there for them to benefit from.

The Prime Minister was accompanied by his Press Secretary, Ms. Valencia Grant and Mr. Duncan Whattley, Director of People’s Empowerment and Diaspora Affairs.